Spinal Decompression Therapy (DTS) at
Kessinger & Wellness Center Diagnostic Center
Spinal Decompression Therapy (DTS) is the most
comprehensive program available, allowing the safe delivery of this
(previously hospital based) procedure in our office. DTS treatments are
one of the most gentle and comfortable therapies available. Patients
often report that they fall asleep during treatment sessions. The
worlds' largest manufacturer of hospital based rehabilitation equipment,
with over 58 years of experience, produces the Spinal Decompression
Therapy system.
A DTS treatment is a non-invasive disc therapy with more than 50,000
patients being treated annually. DTS is a comprehensive program of the
newest traction techniques with targeted "core" stabilization. This
therapy affects the disc as directly as possible without surgery. In the
majority of cases, patients experience long-term relief of their pain
when they complete the entire program of treatments, which consists of
20 office visits in close succession. In fact, clinical results of this
type of therapy have been effective in over 75% of patients treated.
A gradual breakdown to the foundational support of your back is what
puts undue stress on the discs and leads to pain and loss of function.
The DTS system creates a controlled unloading of the vertebrae to
decrease disc pressure, thus increasing blood and nutrient exchange.
This exchange of fluids is something that the damaged disc desperately
needs to help it heal, from the inside out.
The three phases of Spinal Decompression Therapy are; Treatment,
Stabilization and Support. We typically treat three times a week for one
month, transitioning from passive to active treatments as you respond.
Most patients are released from treatment after eight weeks. The best
advantage is that you are able to continue working during the entire
treatment program, so there is no loss of income.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical traction based
treatment for pain and/or herniated or bulging discs in the neck and
lower back. Anyone who has back, neck, arm or leg pain may be helped by
spinal decompression therapy.
How many spinal decompression sessions
will be needed and are they painful?
The number of sessions needed and your specific treatment plan will be
determined by the doctor after your examination. In almost all cases,
the treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients
fall asleep during the spinal decompression session.Individual
treatments take about 30-45 minutes. Typical therapy includes daily
visits for the first two weeks, 3 times a week for the third week, and 2
times a week for the next couple of weeks, or as recommended by the
Doctor.
What type of decompression system is
used in spinal decompression therapy?
The doctors at Kessinger Health and Wellness Center carefully
investigated several decompression table options. After a
significant amount of research, they selected the DOC decompression
system. This system is FDA registered and approved. The unique
design of the new DOC table utilizes a state-of-the-art digital command
center for specific vertebral targeting, separate lumbar and cervical
decompression programming and continuous readout and graphing of
treatment protocols.
What Makes Spinal Decompression
Therapy so Effective?
Doctor skill combined with the table and computerized traction head
are the keys. Proper assessment, correct positioning and the use of
preprogrammed patterns of distraction and relaxation may reduce disc
pressure allowing necessary nutrients to enliven and accelerate disc
healing.
Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression
Therapy?
Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a
damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These
conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal
stenosis, and sciatica or even failed surgery.
How long till I see results from Spinal
Decompression Therapy?
Most patients report a reduction in pain after the first few sessions.
Typically significant improvement is obtained by the second week of
treatment.
Are there medical studies
that document the effectiveness of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Yes! One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc
herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the
majority of herniated disc patients achieved "good" to "excellent"
results after spinal decompression therapy.
Are there conditions where
Spinal Decompression Therapy is not indicated?
Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women,
patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve
damage. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or
“cages”) is also contraindicated. However, spinal decompression
therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery can be performed.
Do most patients receive therapy and
rehabilitative exercises in addition to Spinal Decompression Therapy?
To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting
structures are treated with passive therapies (ice/heat/muscle
stimulation), chiropractic adjustments (as indicated) and/or active
rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature.
How do I get started?
We want to make it easy for you to learn if you are a candidate for
spinal decompression therapy. Just call our office at
573-341-8292 to arrange a consultation with one of our doctors.
Please remember to bring any MRI reports so the doctor can review them
and best advise you about your treatment options.
